Transformers: Prime

On Thursday this week (18/12/2014), Turner Broadcasting System Asia-Pacific and its broadcasting partner in Thailand, Major Kantana Broadcasting will launch a Thai language version of the Toonami channel on 14th January 2015. Turner and Major Kantana Broadcasting is already responsible for the Thai version of Boomerang which launched last year, which is operated by a joint venture company called M Turner. Turner Broadcasting System Asia-Pacific already operates a pan-Asia Toonami channel which launched on 1st December 2012, its success has led its expansion into Thailand.

The channel is based on a programming block that currently airs on Adult Swim (originally on Cartoon Network) in the US and airs action shows such as Ben 10, Teen Titans, Transformers Prime and Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

Phil Nelson, Turner’s senior vice president and managing director of North Asia and Southeast Asia Pacific made this statement about the Toonami Thailand launch:

“This launch demonstrates Turner’s confidence and commitment to Thailand and follows on the success of Boomerang, the No 1 kids’ cable and satellite channel with an amazing audience share of 72% year to date.”

Khun Siamrus Lauhaskkasame, MD, Major Kantana Broadcasting also made this statement about the Toonami Thailand launch:

“Toonami’s unique array of animated series and movies in the local language will ensure that it becomes a top entertainment destination and we are confident that Toonami will be as successful and popular as Boomerang has become in Thailand.”

The news came after the launch of the Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark near Pattaya in Thailand and the relaunch of Boomerang Asia on 1st January, replacing the Cartoonito Asia feed.

The news shows that Turner Broadcasting System is still faithful and committed to the Toonami brand, there was a Toonami channel in the UK between 2003 to 2007, it was replaced with a 24 hour CN Too service and was done to allow Cartoonito to launch taking up the old CN Too bandwidth.